“We started this with the fans,” Goodell said. “The fans have clearly stated that they don’t like the preseason. We have a 20-game format, 16 regular season games and four preseason games, and the fans have repeatedly said the preseason games don’t meet NFL standards. And that is the basis on which we started this 18-game concept, taking two low-quality preseason games and turning them into two high-quality regular season games.”

A recent Associated Press poll, however, found that fan interest in an 18-game season was lukewarm at best. And NFL players are just about unanimous in their opposition to the 18-game season.

So this is what I hate about Goodell, what hes saying is just not true. From everything ive seen the people who really don’t like the preseason are season ticket holders, and that’s only because they are forced to buy them at regular season cost even though the value is half at best. Everyone else maybe isn’t thrilled about watching preseason games but realize it’s a important part of the game to find hidden gems and build depth.

Then he calls the current system a “20 game format” and compares it to a “18-game concept”, which to me is the NFL’s attempt to make it sound like there are less games where players can get hurt. This is a completely inaccurate comparison. 2 preseason games would still remain and a 20 game format would still exist, just 2 games now become non-preseason games.

I also think what really ended up backfiring is the NFL trying to crack down on player safety this season and then also push for a 18 game season at the same time. People see through that, the timing is too coincidental.

What I can't stand about the preseason/18 game schedule logic is that they're trying to sell the idea that players won't be playing as much, thus safety isn't compromised. That isn't being said outright but Goodell's comments imply that.

We all know that starters & guys guaranteed roster spots are not playing much in preseason. Adding 2 real games will increase the risk of injury significantly. Or for some teams that have their playoff position locked by week 16, those two games will look like preseason because the coaches will be scared to play anybody. This is the beginning of a watering down of a good product.

What I can't stand about the preseason/18 game schedule logic is that they're trying to sell the idea that players won't be playing as much, thus safety isn't compromised. That isn't being said outright but Goodell's comments imply that.

We all know that starters & guys guaranteed roster spots are not playing much in preseason. Adding 2 real games will increase the risk of injury significantly. Or for some teams that have their playoff position locked by week 16, those two games will look like preseason because the coaches will be scared to play anybody. This is the beginning of a watering down of a good product.

The more games you add the less meaningful each game is, see baseball or even NBA/NHL.

__________________When life gives you paper jams, turn them into paper footballs!

What I can't stand about the preseason/18 game schedule logic is that they're trying to sell the idea that players won't be playing as much, thus safety isn't compromised. That isn't being said outright but Goodell's comments imply that.

We all know that starters & guys guaranteed roster spots are not playing much in preseason. Adding 2 real games will increase the risk of injury significantly. Or for some teams that have their playoff position locked by week 16, those two games will look like preseason because the coaches will be scared to play anybody. This is the beginning of a watering down of a good product.

What baffles me more is Hocky has similar violent hits, they have fist fights, getting hit with a heavy puck flying at 90 mph, and the fear of at any time bouncing their heads off the rock hard ice. Yet they play a ton more games.

I think everyone is also missing the point that though they wanted to add 2 more games, there was the thought that they would allow more players on the team as well. Instead of the 53 it was rumored that they might up the number if there were 18 games. Plus I don't really see the big deal. I understand the worry that 2 more games take the toll on the body but they could just as easily be injured after game 2 of the season so maybe the league should either turn the NFL into flag football or simply make it a televised computer game (Madden) so no one has to worry about injuries.

Only 27 percent favored the idea in an Associated Press poll released last week, and even fewer (18 percent) gave it a thumbs-up when Sports Illustrated’s Peter King solicited opinions on Twitter and received more than 1,200 responses.

I often wonder when people start sighting their "poll" percentages if the poll was done fair? I mean I never knew there was a poll and I'm in favour of the 18 game season. Plus I know the poll is supposed to simply give them an idea of numbers but I don't Twitter and is 1,200 responses an acturate assessment of what the actual populace wants?

I understand preseason, and the main reason for it, to be able to evaluate the young talent. But honestly why don't they just simply have more scrimages? or after the 1st two weeks of team drills and practice teams would be allowed to practice against each other with out the violent hits.